Sports are an important part of our lives. We must take caution when playing to avoid injuries, as they are more common with competitive sports and intense exercise. We’ve compiled a list of things you can do to stay healthy with sports injuries solutions. If you find you have suffered a sports injury, please contact our office for a consultation for your best treatment options.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Injury
Wear Protective Gear
Wearing protective gear is a way to prevent injury. Helmets are one of the most popular items you can wear for protection. They are important for sports such as inline skating, skateboarding, biking, softball, baseball, hockey and football. Some sports also require protective cups for boys, and wrist guards, pads, mouth guards and eye protection.
Warm Up
Slowly preparing your body for exercise is another way to prevent injuries. You may want to try stretching or running in place, which will warm your muscles and loosen you up.
Know the Rules of the Game
When you know the rules of the game you are playing, you are less likely to get injured.
Keep an Eye Out for Others
Playing defensively can keep you safe. Watch out for what other players are doing to avoid accidents.
Don’t Continue to Play When You are Injured
If you jump back into the game before you are fully healed, you risk getting re-injured. It’s important to sit it out and fully heal.
Treating Your Sports Injuries
Prevention
The prevalence of sports injuries solutions suggests that prevention is always the best option to avoid sports injuries. Here are a few solutions you can try:
- Slowly getting into shape for your particular sport
- Warm up before and cool down after
- Stretch
- Use good quality equipment
- Use good techniques
- Don’t overdo your workout
Recognition
Be aware of the symptoms you may be feeling, such as skin discoloration, swelling and limited mobility or strength.
Common Injuries
Sprains
Sprains come in first, second, and third degrees.
First-degree symptoms include:
- Stretched ligaments
Second-degree symptoms include:
- Torn ligaments
- Bluish discoloration due to bleeding
- Weakness
Third-degree symptoms include:
- Torn ligaments
- Decreased mobility
- Severe weakness
Strains
Strains also come in first, second and third-degree levels. They are known as pulled muscles and are injuries to the tendons or muscles.
Tendinitis
Redness, swelling and warmth are the major symptoms of an inflamed tendon. This injury is usually caused by overuse or poor form.
Fasciitis
This injury consists of inflammation of the fibrous tissue that covers the tendons and muscles caused by overuse.
Bursitis
Bursitis involves inflammation of the fluid-like sacs that cushion bones, muscles and joints.
Dislocations
A very disabling injury, a dislocation is when a bone slips out of alignment with the joint.
Fractures
A fracture is a disruption in the integrity of the bone.
Conclusion
Injuries can happen to anyone, and our sports injuries solutions at Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates can help you play smart and stay healthy! To learn more, contact us today and book an appointment at our office in Plymouth, Sandwich or Duxbury